Women's Soccer

Central Connecticut State University has been voted the 2009
Northeast Conference women's soccer favorite, according to a
preseason poll of the league's head coaches. Receiving eight of the
11 possible first-place votes, the Blue Devils will look to capture
their second straight title and sixth in eight years. They have
won a total of seven NEC titles since 1997. Central opens its 2009
season next Friday vs. Siena at the University of Vermont at 1
p.m.

Long Island, the 2008 NEC regular season champion, landed the
runner-up spot and received two first-place nods. The Blue Devils
defeated the Blackbirds 1-0 in the NEC final last season.

Monmouth was picked third and claimed the final first-place
vote. Saint Francis (PA) was tabbed fourth, followed by Quinnipiac,
Fairleigh Dickinson and Robert Morris at fifth, sixth and seventh,
respectively. Tied for eighth place was Bryant, a newcomer in the
standings this season, and Sacred Heart. Wagner followed in the
tenth position and Mount St. Mary's rounded out the list at No.
11.

Central (12-7-4, 7-2 NEC) captured its seventh championship crown
last season. Head coach Mick D'Arcy will enter his 10th season at
the helm of a Blue Devil squad that loses only four letterwinners
and adds seven new contributors. Leading goal scorer Rachel Caneen
is gone from the championship squad, but CCSU returns 11 of its top
13 goal scorers from a year ago to bolster their chances.

NEC Tournament most valuable player Erin Herd, a goalkeeper, is
also gone from last year's squad. Senior Caity Casey steps in for
CCSU, having started eight of her nine games played last season.
She posted a 1.29 goals against average and a .780 save percentage
in her junior season. She was 4-4 and played just under 770
minutes on the season.

The Blue Devils finished last season a perfect 5-0 at home and were
also 2-0-1 in neutral site games. Following a trip to Vermont to
open the season with games against Siena and Vermont, the Blue
Devils will open their home season on Friday, Sept. 4 at 1 p.m. vs.
Buffalo.